Conformity

Conformity is a topic that can be very simple, very complicated, or anywhere in between. Conformity can come in many forms and have strong effects. One of the most common forms of conformity occurs when “an identity [is] wholly imposed upon us by other people” (Solomon 311). Giving in to peer pressure or just agreeing with peers can also be a form of conformity. The effects of conformity can be both positive and negative.

When a foreign behavior or belief is forced on to a person it often becomes a part of their identity. The most common example of this occurs when a parent or teacher tells someone what “good” behavior is. Parts of a person’s identity are often purely the result of a behavior imposed on them. While growing up, many children are told to keep their rooms clean. If they refuse, a punishment such as a “Time Out” may ensue. Eventually the child learns that it is important to keep their room clean. Because of the parents, the child adds the belief that their room must be clean to their identity. The end result is a change in the child’s identity because of a belief that was imposed on him or her by a parent.

Conformity can also occur when someone gives in to peer pressure or abandons their beliefs in order to accept what is “cool” at the time. The best example of peer pressure I can think of is illegal drug use. If a person who is vehemently opposed to illegal drug use is pressured into using the drugs, they may have lost part of their identity. Music can be a good example of something a person would accept in order to be cool, even if it goes against their beliefs. People who enjoy rock music may be opposed to some rap and hip hop songs because of the messages they convey. If some of their friends enjoy the music the person may set their judgements aside in order to fit in with their friends. Both examples are examples of conformity that come about as a result of the beliefs of others affecting someone who would otherwise disagree.

Conformity can have many different effects on people. Sometimes a person may later be grateful that they changed their beliefs. If someone is forced to accept that a clean room is important they will often look back and be glad they learned the lesson. They have come to enjoy the sight of a neat room. Also, a person’s taste in music often changes throughout their life. Even if they start with a negative bias, a person may gradually begin to enjoy the music. On the other hand, accepting the music could have negative consequences. The messages conveyed through the music may change the attitude of the listener. Illegal drug use is the same. Side effects of the drug could cause permanent damage. Conformity can be very powerful and must be treated as such.

Works Cited

Solomon, Robert C. Introducing Philosophy. New York: Oxford UP, 2008.

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The Existence of God - Argument from Design

The argument from design is one side of an argument about how to explain why our world is so complex and how it came to be so. The argument from design is also known as the teleological argument. The core of the argument is that God must exist. “The basis of the argument is that since the universe is evidently designed, it must have a designer” (Solomon 638). The main opponents of this argument are people who support Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Both sides have significant merits, but it is difficult to say which argument is the truth.

I apologize for the illegible labels.
The labeling is much more clear if you click on the image.

The argument from design takes a strong side about why our universe is so complex. “It has even presented itself as a theory in science, that is, ‘creation science,’ as opposed to the generally accepted scientific accounts of Darwinian evolution” (Solomon 143). My interpretation of the argument from design is that the universe is too complex for it to have just come into existence. The functioning of a single living cell could be compared to how a business functions. They both have a main operator that regulates most or all of what goes on. They both have sturdy protection. They also have the capability of expansion. Each cell is operated by a nucleus, has a cell wall for protection, and given enough time, can split into two, thus increasing the total number of cells. A business is often operated by a president or CEO, is sometimes physically protected by security guards and often otherwise protected by a legal system, and given a certain level of success, can expand by opening a new branch of the company. The point of all this is that a business, which is often designed to do work most efficiently, has a lot in common with cells. Therefore it stands to reason that cells were also designed. The argument from design definitely makes a valid point.

The strength of the argument for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution is about equal to that of the argument from design. My choice of interpretation of Darwin’s theory is “survival of the fittest,” better know as natural selection. The complexity of the cell can be explained by natural selection. If a cell mutates in a way that makes it stronger than other cells, it is more likely to survive and multiply. The stronger mutant cell eventually outnumbers the others and is considered a normal cell. At some point another mutation will occur and the process will repeat itself. Eventually, the remainder will be the complex, effective cells that exist today. The reasoning behind Darwin’s theory makes a very compelling argument.

The argument from design and Darwin’s theory of evolution both make good arguments. Either one could be true. In this day and age there is no way to know for sure.

Resources:

Solomon, Robert C. Introducing Philosophy. New York: Oxford UP, 2008.

Image Source:

Plant cell structure svg. 6 June 2006. Mariana Ruiz. 30 Oct. 2009 http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plant_cell_structure_svg.svg#
filehistory

The Real World - Plato's Theory of Forms

I find Plato’s theory of Forms very interesting. Plato believed there were two worlds. One was the world we live in and the other was a world of Forms (Solomon 66). Understanding conceptual truth is a large part of understanding Forms (Solomon 72). Forms are a complicated subject, but I will try to break it down.

Being able to understand the meaning behind Plato’s two worlds is an important part of understanding Forms. “The world in which we live [is] a world of constant change or a world of Becoming” (Solomon 66). The other world is considered the real world, but the world we live in is still somewhat real. Our world is just not as real as the other is (Solomon 67). “Our world is like a set of shadows of the real world” (Solomon 71). It is “a mere imitation of the bright originals” (Solomon 71). In order to fully grasp the world described above we must also understand the other world.

The “world of Forms [is] an unchanging world, the real world or the world of Being” (Solomon 66). This world never changes and will never end (Solomon 66). Plato believed that a person’s only chance to have a good life lied with the extent of their knowledge of pure Forms (Solomon 71). Our connection between the two worlds is another part of Plato’s metaphysics. The link between the two worlds “is the immortality and immateriality of the human soul” (Solomon 74). Our souls already know about the other world when we are born. That knowledge is known as innate. When we experience something, the connection allows us to “remember” it. We already know the truth about the other world; we just have to remember it (Solomon 74).

Knowing the definition of a Form is also very important. “The Forms are what different things of the same kind have in common and what makes them things of the same kind” (Solomon 71). Granny Smith apples and Golden Delicious apples both have the same Form therefore, according to Plato, your knowledge of its Form would allow you to recognize the apples. Plato’s beliefs state that we can recognize all apples, regardless of their appearance, simply because they are part of the Form apple. Because we know that apples are fruits, we can identify that the Form apple includes the Form fruit. Today we can “say that the meaning of the English word ‘[apple]’ already includes the concept of ‘being a [fruit]’. Accordingly, philosophers refer to this kind of truth as conceptual truth” (Solomon 72). This term did not exist in Plato’s time.

I am intrigued by Plato’s theory of Forms, but I am not sure I believe it. Though his theory seems somewhat plausible, I have trouble believing in something that does not have physical, legitimate proof. However, I do not reject his theory completely. I do think the logic behind conceptual truth, which ties into his theory, is real.

References:

Solomon, Robert C. Introducing Philosophy. New York: Oxford UP, 2008.

Image Source:

“Apple-picking in California.” Los Angeles Times September 22, 2008. 16 Oct. 2009

http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/apple-picking-
in-cal-2818/

Good vs. Evil - Ahura Mazda

I find Ahura Mazda to be very interesting. Ahura Mazda is the god worshipped by practitioners of Zoroastrianism. Out of everything Ahura Mazda created, the first two things created were twin spirits. Another important spirit was Asha, who was represented by fire.

Zoroastrianism is a monotheistic religion that worships Ahura Mazda. Zoroastrianism was started by Zarathustra, a Persian reformer. Zoroastrianism portrayed Ahura Mazda as the origin and creator of everything.

The twin spirits created by Ahura Mazda were opposites of one another. One of the spirits was named Spenta Mainyush. It represented everything that was good. Everything that followed this spirit was led to do good things. The other spirit, Angra Mainyush, led all that followed it to evil. Angra Mainyush is credited for the release of evil, such as death, destructiveness, and deceit. Zoroastrianism portrays the world as being represented by an army of good and an army of evil. The two armies are always at war. Everything in the world must choose a side based on its purpose. Only humans are given more choice because humans make their decisions consciously. Every natural thing must be either worshipped or rejected.

I feel that the battle between good and evil, which supposedly started with the twin spirits created by Ahura Mazda, is still continuing today. One of the largest natural wars we are in is global warming. People are using chemicals that pollute the Earth’s atmosphere. The pollution traps heat that is melting the icebergs. The repercussions are taking a heavy toll on the wildlife. Nature can’t resist this destruction so some people are trying to help. Many of the harmful chemicals are being replaced with safe chemicals that serve the same purpose. One of the most prominent examples is automobile fuel. The harmful gasoline emissions are being replaced with safer ethanol emissions. The ethanol used in automobiles is E85 ethanol fuel, which is comprised of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. According to General Motors’ Biofuels article, “E85 ethanol fuel is a cleaner-burning, mostly renewable fuel source made from mostly U.S.-grown corn and biomaterial, such as switchgrass and willow.” Some automobiles are even running on electricity alone, which has no emissions.

Out of everything good that Ahura Mazda created, the spirit Asha was considered the best. Asha is represented by fire. Because of their devotion to Asha, “Zoroastrians were referred to as fire worshippers” (Solomon 59). Asha was also known as Righteousness.

Ahura Mazda was considered to be completely good. Ahura Mazda was immortal and, according to Zoroastrian teachings, the world is eternal. Life on earth is only one portion of the eternity.



References:

“Biofuels.” Fuel Solutions 2009 General Motors. 1 October 2009
http://www.gmaltfuel.com/fuel-

Solomon, Robert C. Introducing Philosophy. New York: Oxford UP, 2008.

Image Source:

“A failure of leadership in the private sector.” forceChange March 5, 2008. 09 Oct. 2009 http://forcechange.com/2008/03/05/a-failure-of-leadership-in-the
-private-sector/

Your own Beliefs - Individual Autonomy

I find the subject of individual autonomy very interesting. An important part of individual autonomy is making your own philosophical decisions. Other people can not choose your opinion. However, you should still pay attention to others. Also, your decision about what you believe may not be the truth. No matter what you decide, you must always be prepared to justify your beliefs.

Regardless of how you feel, you should always choose your own beliefs. Throughout a person’s life, other people are always pushing beliefs on them. Most religions try to convert people to theirs. But a religion is, essentially, what you choose to place your faith in, which is for you to decide. Choosing a political position can be a big decision. Drugs, abortion, health care, and war are just a few political issues. Everyone has an opinion about each issue. Some people may want marijuana to be completely legal, some people against abortion compare it to murder, the concept of health care reform has always been a heated debate, and everyone always has their own opinion about being at war. If someone persuades you to agree with their political decision, then they just gained another vote for what they want. Rather than just agreeing, hear what they say, then make your decision. Another, and possibly the most important, choice is how you wish to live. Some people like to live active lives, while others play video games. The cup may be half full or half empty. Regardless, everyone must choose how to live their life on their own.

Even if you make a decision that is good for you it may not be universally correct. If there was irrefutable, legitimate evidence that one religion was absolutely true, the others might die down. At least until then, people maintain their beliefs. Politics are based on what people want, such as their type of government. Therefore, until there is a universal agreement, there is no right answer. Finally, how you wish to live your life is based on what you enjoy, what your feelings are, and how you think. There are more parts, but these alone are enough proof that all people are unique and must decide for themselves how to live. When everyone is different, there is no correct way to live.

No matter what your choice is, you must be able to justify it. Most beliefs are questionable in some way. If you believe in something you must be able to foresee any questions that may contradict it and be prepared to answer. Individual autonomy is very important. Your beliefs reflect who you are and, therefore, are quite valuable.

Socrates - Beliefs and Integrity

I personally find Socrates both confusing and fascinating. He saw many flaws in the Athenian government. When a jury sentenced him to death because of his preaching, he questioned the foolishness of why he was convicted. When his close friend Crito offered him a chance to escape his imprisonment, he refused because it went against his principles.

Socrates noticed many major problems within the Athenian government. He saw that many of the officials in Athens cared more for themselves than the people they governed. He not only found this information, but he also found that much of the Athenians were hypocrites themselves. To prove it he would use simple questions about their principles and beliefs. Their confusion and lack of confidence in their beliefs left them looking ignorant and foolish.

Like Socrates, I enjoy challenging people’s beliefs. Sometimes I question people about religion. I ask what they believe and why. Often the answer to the second question is “because.” They can never come up with hard evidence. The Bible is simply a book. When you take it down from the pedestal and stop worshipping it, it is no more reliable than Wikipedia. But because of what people have been taught, they ignore reason, put the Bible back on the pedestal and say it is all true. They believe in it because they just need something to believe in.

Socrates was sentenced to death because of his method of challenging people. His challenging of the existence of the gods left people furious. He believed he was better off helping people rather than worrying about making his own life glamorous.

I believe Socrates lived an excellent life. Because he put so much effort into trying to help others, he was able to build a successful life for himself. Even though their legal system condemned him to death, Socrates made enough of an impression that his teachings are still used over 2400 years after his death.

While imprisoned, Socrates was offered a chance to escape by his close friend, Crito. Crito’s offer contradicted Socrates’ beliefs so he refused. He chose to die staying true to his beliefs rather than live as a hypocrite.

I highly respect Socrates for staying true to his beliefs. Many men would beg for forgiveness, but he merely accepted his punishment. Being able to die for his beliefs helped reinforce their power. If Socrates had chosen to flee his followers may have lost confidence in him and his beliefs and relinquished them. I believe Socrates made the best decision.

Quick Intro

As I mentioned in the description, I am good at math and enjoy doing sudoku puzzles and other logic puzzles. Due to that, some of my posts may be more logical than anything else. This is my first time seriously exploring philosophy so I will be trying to expand my thought processes.